BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Ulf Poschardt is giving up his position as editor of “Welt”, “Politico Deutschland” and “Business Insider Deutschland” at his own request after a year and a half. As of July 1st, the 59-year-old will become the “most freelancer” for the publications that the media company brings together under the umbrella term “Premium Group”. Axel Springer announced that he would work for the “Bild” newspaper and all of the company’s other German and international media brands.
“There are few authors whose contributions are discussed as passionately as those of Ulf Poschardt,” explained Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner. He reaches an audience of millions across all platforms with editorials and social media posts – they now want to give him the space he needs so that he can further expand his reach and impact. “In short: we want more Ulf Poschardt,” said Döpfner.
“A perfect new role”
Poschardt himself was quoted in a company statement as saying: “Over the past year, I have realized that I need more freedom for my journalistic work, which cannot always be reconciled with a formal function.” He therefore approached Döpfner, whereupon “a perfect new role” was found.
Poschardt joined Axel Springer in 2008 as deputy editor-in-chief of “Welt am Sonntag”. In 2016 he became editor-in-chief of the Welt Group, and at the turn of the year 2024/25 he became editor of “Welt”, “Politico Deutschland” and “Business Insider Deutschland”. At that time he succeeded the long-standing “Welt” editor Stefan Aust.
Maximum journalistic freedom
In his new role, Poschardt will now “use maximum journalistic freedom as an author, podcaster and creator and develop formats that are completely tailored to him,” as the company said. It was not initially clear from the information who would be the successor to his previous editorial position./trs/DP/zb